| The Avon Lodge No 185 Christchurch, New Zealand |
| This page updated 18 December 2005 |
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What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal societies.
It is a society of men who are concerned with moral and spiritual values. It is a way of life that
complements religious, family and community affiliations. It is a school of instruction and a
system of moral and spiritual philosophy as outlined in its rituals, lectures and teachings.
Put simply, Freemasonry strives to make good men better.
Who are Freemason's?
Freemason's are men who share a common goal of:
• a belief in a Supreme Being
• high moral standards
• kindness in the home
• courtesy in society
• honesty in business
• fairness in all of their dealings.
They seek a better way of life and treat all men as equal regardless of race, religion or social
standing.
What does Freemasonry stand for?
Every true Freemason:
• shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behaves with kindness an
understanding to his fellow creatures
• practices charity and care for the community as a whole, as well as his own family through
charitable giving and by voluntary work
• strives for the truth, requires high moral standards and aims to achieve them in his own
life.
Freemason's believe these three principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.
What do Freemason's do?
Freemason's are deeply involved in helping other people.
They hold Lodge meetings once a month to share each others' company and follow their pursuit
of a better way of life.
They strive to enjoy the company of other Freemason's, assisting them in times of personal
trouble and reinforcing essential moral values.
Their most visible Masonic activity is charity, with Freemason's around the world giving away
millions of dollars to charities every year. They are also actively involved in a great deal of
community volunteer work.
The charitable works of Freemason's are visible throughout New Zealand, as they are in other
parts of the world.
New Zealand Freemason's are very significant providers of aged care and health facilities
provided through Masonic homes and hospitals, through the Masonic Chair of Gerontology and
through Fellowships in paediatrics and other disciplines of medicine.
How old is Freemasonry?
No one knows just how old it is because its actual origins have been lost in time.
The term "Freemason" appears as early as 1375 in the records of the City of London.
The Regius Manuscript in the British Museum, written around 1390 in the reign of King Richard II,
contains almost 800 lines of rhymed English verse and points to the introduction of Masonry into
England in the 10th Century.
It sets out regulations for the society, including teaching duties to God, church and country, and
makes repeated references to brotherhood.
Excavations in the Libyan desert almost 100 years ago by the British Egyptologist and
archaeologist, Sir William Petrie, uncovered a number of papyrus records including one that
described secret meetings of a guild around 2000 BC which met to discuss working hours,
wages and rules for daily labour. It convened in a chapel and provided relief to widows, orphans
and workers in distress.
How did Freemasonry evolve?
It is generally accepted that the stone masons' guild of medieval times played a very important
part in Freemasonry.
The term "free" as in Freemason may refer to "freestone" masons, denoting the type of stone
they worked. But it also indicated that the mason was not bound to the land as a serf, but was
free to travel about the country to construct cathedrals and other significant buildings. This was
quite remarkable in an age when almost no one travelled more than 20 miles from their homes
in their entire lifetimes.
Masons in the Middle Ages constructed many buildings, but particular attention has always
focused on the great cathedrals. To build these marvels it was necessary for Masons to gather
in large groups, sometimes moving from one finished cathedral or castle to the next.
For mutual protection and to assist with education and training, the Masons gathered in a lodge
- a building put up at the construction site where they could eat, rest, plan the construction
project, receive their pay and socialise after work. This building was called a lodge and the term
has remained down through the ages.
The stone masons who built the great cathedrals of England and Europe had to have
considerable knowledge of geometry, arithmetic and engineering. As a result, the Guild of Stone
Masons - including architects - became one of the few places of learning outside of the clergy.
They used a series of rituals and procedures to teach their trade and by the 17th Century, as
the number and status of Masons grew, Lodges began accepting honorary members who were
not actually stone workers. The early Freemason's used these same rituals and teachings to
instruct non-working Freemason's about the Craft.
In 1717 four English Lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in London to form the first
Grand Lodge of England. This meeting formalised the practices and procedures that had been
observed by Freemason's for hundreds of years.
From that time, Freemasonry spread from England to the Continent - particularly to France,
Austria, Hungary and the Germanic states - and then to America and Latin America, and later to
England's colonies.
Freemasonry was introduced to Australia in 1803 and the first Lodge in New Zealand held its
inaugural meeting in Akaroa in February 1843. It was a French Lodge known as the Francaise
Primitive Antipodienne d'Akaroa. The Lodge had 12 founding members and was not formally
founded until the issue of its charter by the Grand Lodge of France in August 1843.
The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was founded in 1890.
What is the significance of the Temple of King
Solomon?
According to the legends contained in its rituals, Freemasonry's origins date back to the
construction of King Solomon's Temple as described in the Bible.
Many of the characters mentioned in the books of Kings and Chronicles in the Hebrew Scriptures
are encountered in the various degrees of Masonry.
What happens at a Lodge meeting?
There are two aspects of any Lodge meeting.
The first is the same as the business meeting of any organisation, although it takes a little
longer to call the meeting to order because Freemason's use a ceremony that is quite formal,
drawing on elements from the very foundations of Masonry. This ceremony reminds Freemason's
of the virtues they strive to live by.
Once this aspect is completed, minutes and accounts are considered, and business is taken care
of just like any other organisation.
The second aspect of the meeting is the reception of new members. This is done in formal
ceremonies that are centuries old and are designed to teach Freemason's important lessons and
start them thinking about their own nature as spiritual beings.
Symbols Of Freemasonry
The most identifiable tools of Freemasonry are the square and compasses, represented on many
Masonic buildings.
These tools were used by stone masons in the design and construction of the great cathedrals.
Other symbols include the common tools that were used by the medieval stone masons - the
gavel, the rule, the level and so on.
Is Freemasonry a religious organisation?
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for a religion, although Freemason's share a
common belief in a supreme power, according to the beliefs or customs of each individual.
This is the essential qualification for admission to Freemasonry and continuing membership.
Freemasonry goes beyond religious boundaries and brings together men of every country,
belief, sect and opinion in peace and harmony.
Because religion can divide men it cannot be discussed within the Lodge.
That does not mean that religion plays no part in Freemasonry. Masonic meetings open and
close with a prayer, but no Freemason is told how he should pray or what he should pray to of
for. He must find the answers to these questions in his own faith, in his own church, synagogue,
shrine, temple or other place of worship according to his individual beliefs.
Without interfering in religious practice, Freemasonry expects each member to follow his own
faith.
Is Freemasonry a political organisation?
No. Politics, like religion, cannot be discussed within the Lodge because of its tendency to divide.
Is Freemasonry a business organisation? Are there business benefits from being a Freemason?
No. Most Freemason's believe it is Un-masonic to trade with another member purely because he
is a Freemason.
However, Freemason's are friends and it is not surprising that many do trade with each other,
because they know they are dealing with people who are of good character and can be trusted.
But Freemasonry is not a place to network. Before joining, a potential Freemason is clearly told
that he must not expect any special treatment in his daily work as a result of his membership.
How is Freemasonry different from service clubs such
as Rotary or Lions?
In some respects they are similar, but Freemasonry is distinguished from other fraternal orders
by its emphasis on moral character, its ornate rituals and long tradition and history.
Belief in a Supreme Being and the three great principles of Freemasonry -
tolerance and respect for the opinions of others; charity and caring for their own and for the
community; and striving for truth and high moral standards to achieve a better life - make
Freemasonry a way of life, rather than being a fraternal organisation with business and
community interests.
Why can't women join?
Freemasonry is a fraternity - a brotherhood. The essence of the fraternity is that it is for men,
just as the essence of sororities is that they are for women.
It has become very fashionable of late to talk about male bonding. That is just a way of saying
something that has been known for thousands of years; namely that it is important for men to
have a few things that they do by themselves, just as it is for women.
A man cannot become a Freemason without the support of his partner and family.
Do you have to be invited to join?
No! This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Freemasonry. Men of good character are
always welcome to apply for membership. But a person must enter the fraternity because he
wants to - not because he has been talked into it.
Joining Freemasonry makes a permanent commitment to live in a certain way: to live with honour
and integrity, to be willing to share and care for others, to trust each other and place ultimate
trust in a Supreme Being.
Freemason's believe no man should be talked into making a decision like this.
How do you join?
Any man who is at least 21 years old and believes in a Supreme Power may become a
Freemason.
There are very few formal requirements, but generally Freemason's believe in helping others and
share a belief that there is more to life than pleasure and money. Freemason's should also be
willing to respect the opinions of others and have a desire to grow and develop as people.
When a man decides he wants to be a Freemason, he asks a Freemason for an application or
might write to or visit a Lodge in his community.
As with similar organisations and clubs, any application will be considered by a committee who
may ask for character references and meet with the applicant to make sure he has been
properly informed about Freemasonry.
What should I do if I want to join?
If you know a Freemason, ask him about membership. If you don't, write to your local Lodge or
to the Freemason's New Zealand at P O Box 6439, Wellington. You can also check the
Freemason's New Zealand website (www.freemasons.co.nz) or contact The Avon Lodge No 185.
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal societies.
It is a society of men who are concerned with moral and spiritual values. It is a way of life that
complements religious, family and community affiliations. It is a school of instruction and a
system of moral and spiritual philosophy as outlined in its rituals, lectures and teachings.
Put simply, Freemasonry strives to make good men better.
Who are Freemason's?
Freemason's are men who share a common goal of:
• a belief in a Supreme Being
• high moral standards
• kindness in the home
• courtesy in society
• honesty in business
• fairness in all of their dealings.
They seek a better way of life and treat all men as equal regardless of race, religion or social
standing.
What does Freemasonry stand for?
Every true Freemason:
• shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behaves with kindness an
understanding to his fellow creatures
• practices charity and care for the community as a whole, as well as his own family through
charitable giving and by voluntary work
• strives for the truth, requires high moral standards and aims to achieve them in his own
life.
Freemason's believe these three principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.
What do Freemason's do?
Freemason's are deeply involved in helping other people.
They hold Lodge meetings once a month to share each others' company and follow their pursuit
of a better way of life.
They strive to enjoy the company of other Freemason's, assisting them in times of personal
trouble and reinforcing essential moral values.
Their most visible Masonic activity is charity, with Freemason's around the world giving away
millions of dollars to charities every year. They are also actively involved in a great deal of
community volunteer work.
The charitable works of Freemason's are visible throughout New Zealand, as they are in other
parts of the world.
New Zealand Freemason's are very significant providers of aged care and health facilities
provided through Masonic homes and hospitals, through the Masonic Chair of Gerontology and
through Fellowships in paediatrics and other disciplines of medicine.
How old is Freemasonry?
No one knows just how old it is because its actual origins have been lost in time.
The term "Freemason" appears as early as 1375 in the records of the City of London.
The Regius Manuscript in the British Museum, written around 1390 in the reign of King Richard II,
contains almost 800 lines of rhymed English verse and points to the introduction of Masonry into
England in the 10th Century.
It sets out regulations for the society, including teaching duties to God, church and country, and
makes repeated references to brotherhood.
Excavations in the Libyan desert almost 100 years ago by the British Egyptologist and
archaeologist, Sir William Petrie, uncovered a number of papyrus records including one that
described secret meetings of a guild around 2000 BC which met to discuss working hours,
wages and rules for daily labour. It convened in a chapel and provided relief to widows, orphans
and workers in distress.
How did Freemasonry evolve?
It is generally accepted that the stone masons' guild of medieval times played a very important
part in Freemasonry.
The term "free" as in Freemason may refer to "freestone" masons, denoting the type of stone
they worked. But it also indicated that the mason was not bound to the land as a serf, but was
free to travel about the country to construct cathedrals and other significant buildings. This was
quite remarkable in an age when almost no one travelled more than 20 miles from their homes
in their entire lifetimes.
Masons in the Middle Ages constructed many buildings, but particular attention has always
focused on the great cathedrals. To build these marvels it was necessary for Masons to gather
in large groups, sometimes moving from one finished cathedral or castle to the next.
For mutual protection and to assist with education and training, the Masons gathered in a lodge
- a building put up at the construction site where they could eat, rest, plan the construction
project, receive their pay and socialise after work. This building was called a lodge and the term
has remained down through the ages.
The stone masons who built the great cathedrals of England and Europe had to have
considerable knowledge of geometry, arithmetic and engineering. As a result, the Guild of Stone
Masons - including architects - became one of the few places of learning outside of the clergy.
They used a series of rituals and procedures to teach their trade and by the 17th Century, as
the number and status of Masons grew, Lodges began accepting honorary members who were
not actually stone workers. The early Freemason's used these same rituals and teachings to
instruct non-working Freemason's about the Craft.
In 1717 four English Lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in London to form the first
Grand Lodge of England. This meeting formalised the practices and procedures that had been
observed by Freemason's for hundreds of years.
From that time, Freemasonry spread from England to the Continent - particularly to France,
Austria, Hungary and the Germanic states - and then to America and Latin America, and later to
England's colonies.
Freemasonry was introduced to Australia in 1803 and the first Lodge in New Zealand held its
inaugural meeting in Akaroa in February 1843. It was a French Lodge known as the Francaise
Primitive Antipodienne d'Akaroa. The Lodge had 12 founding members and was not formally
founded until the issue of its charter by the Grand Lodge of France in August 1843.
The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was founded in 1890.
What is the significance of the Temple of King
Solomon?
According to the legends contained in its rituals, Freemasonry's origins date back to the
construction of King Solomon's Temple as described in the Bible.
Many of the characters mentioned in the books of Kings and Chronicles in the Hebrew Scriptures
are encountered in the various degrees of Masonry.
What happens at a Lodge meeting?
There are two aspects of any Lodge meeting.
The first is the same as the business meeting of any organisation, although it takes a little
longer to call the meeting to order because Freemason's use a ceremony that is quite formal,
drawing on elements from the very foundations of Masonry. This ceremony reminds Freemason's
of the virtues they strive to live by.
Once this aspect is completed, minutes and accounts are considered, and business is taken care
of just like any other organisation.
The second aspect of the meeting is the reception of new members. This is done in formal
ceremonies that are centuries old and are designed to teach Freemason's important lessons and
start them thinking about their own nature as spiritual beings.
Symbols Of Freemasonry
The most identifiable tools of Freemasonry are the square and compasses, represented on many
Masonic buildings.
These tools were used by stone masons in the design and construction of the great cathedrals.
Other symbols include the common tools that were used by the medieval stone masons - the
gavel, the rule, the level and so on.
Is Freemasonry a religious organisation?
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for a religion, although Freemason's share a
common belief in a supreme power, according to the beliefs or customs of each individual.
This is the essential qualification for admission to Freemasonry and continuing membership.
Freemasonry goes beyond religious boundaries and brings together men of every country,
belief, sect and opinion in peace and harmony.
Because religion can divide men it cannot be discussed within the Lodge.
That does not mean that religion plays no part in Freemasonry. Masonic meetings open and
close with a prayer, but no Freemason is told how he should pray or what he should pray to of
for. He must find the answers to these questions in his own faith, in his own church, synagogue,
shrine, temple or other place of worship according to his individual beliefs.
Without interfering in religious practice, Freemasonry expects each member to follow his own
faith.
Is Freemasonry a political organisation?
No. Politics, like religion, cannot be discussed within the Lodge because of its tendency to divide.
Is Freemasonry a business organisation? Are there business benefits from being a Freemason?
No. Most Freemason's believe it is Un-masonic to trade with another member purely because he
is a Freemason.
However, Freemason's are friends and it is not surprising that many do trade with each other,
because they know they are dealing with people who are of good character and can be trusted.
But Freemasonry is not a place to network. Before joining, a potential Freemason is clearly told
that he must not expect any special treatment in his daily work as a result of his membership.
How is Freemasonry different from service clubs such
as Rotary or Lions?
In some respects they are similar, but Freemasonry is distinguished from other fraternal orders
by its emphasis on moral character, its ornate rituals and long tradition and history.
Belief in a Supreme Being and the three great principles of Freemasonry -
tolerance and respect for the opinions of others; charity and caring for their own and for the
community; and striving for truth and high moral standards to achieve a better life - make
Freemasonry a way of life, rather than being a fraternal organisation with business and
community interests.
Why can't women join?
Freemasonry is a fraternity - a brotherhood. The essence of the fraternity is that it is for men,
just as the essence of sororities is that they are for women.
It has become very fashionable of late to talk about male bonding. That is just a way of saying
something that has been known for thousands of years; namely that it is important for men to
have a few things that they do by themselves, just as it is for women.
A man cannot become a Freemason without the support of his partner and family.
Do you have to be invited to join?
No! This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Freemasonry. Men of good character are
always welcome to apply for membership. But a person must enter the fraternity because he
wants to - not because he has been talked into it.
Joining Freemasonry makes a permanent commitment to live in a certain way: to live with honour
and integrity, to be willing to share and care for others, to trust each other and place ultimate
trust in a Supreme Being.
Freemason's believe no man should be talked into making a decision like this.
How do you join?
Any man who is at least 21 years old and believes in a Supreme Power may become a
Freemason.
There are very few formal requirements, but generally Freemason's believe in helping others and
share a belief that there is more to life than pleasure and money. Freemason's should also be
willing to respect the opinions of others and have a desire to grow and develop as people.
When a man decides he wants to be a Freemason, he asks a Freemason for an application or
might write to or visit a Lodge in his community.
As with similar organisations and clubs, any application will be considered by a committee who
may ask for character references and meet with the applicant to make sure he has been
properly informed about Freemasonry.
What should I do if I want to join?
If you know a Freemason, ask him about membership. If you don't, write to your local Lodge or
to the Freemason's New Zealand at P O Box 6439, Wellington. You can also check the
Freemason's New Zealand website (www.freemasons.co.nz) or contact The Avon Lodge No 185.
| Click on the links below to download brochures Why Freemasonry Freemasonry & Religion Partners Guide to Freemasonry |
| A Beginners Guide to Freemasonry The following information has been provided by The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and is available on their website http://www.freemasons.co.nz |
